Best Antivirus for Windows in 2026
Windows remains the primary target for malware. We tested the top antivirus programs specifically on Windows 11 to find the best protection for your PC.
Tested March 2026Quick Comparison
Windows Feature Comparison
All five antivirus programs offer their best features on Windows. Here is how they compare for Windows-specific capabilities:
| Feature | Bitdefender | Norton | Kaspersky | McAfee | Avast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AV-TEST Score | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Ransomware Protection | Yes + Remediation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Paid only |
| Firewall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Paid only |
| Webcam Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Paid only |
| Gaming Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Boot-time Scan | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| System Impact | Very Low | Low | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Free Version | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Third-Party Antivirus vs Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender is built into Windows 11 and provides free baseline protection. Here is how it compares to dedicated antivirus:
| Metric | Microsoft Defender | Bitdefender | Norton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Known malware detection | 99.0% | 100% | 99.9% |
| Zero-day detection | 96.5% | 99.8% | 99.7% |
| False positives (monthly) | 12 | 2 | 3 |
| System impact | Moderate | Very Low | Low |
| Phishing protection | SmartScreen only | All browsers | All browsers |
| Ransomware protection | Basic (folder access) | Advanced + remediation | Advanced |
Microsoft Defender is adequate for careful users with basic needs. For anyone who regularly downloads files, shops online, or handles sensitive data, a third-party antivirus is a worthwhile upgrade.
Gaming Performance
Gamers need antivirus that protects without hurting FPS. Here is how each performs during gaming:
- Bitdefender: Gaming Mode automatically detects full-screen apps and suppresses notifications and scans. Zero measurable FPS impact in our tests.
- Norton: Silent Mode pauses notifications during games. Minimal FPS impact (1-2 FPS on average).
- Kaspersky: Gaming Mode works well. No noticeable performance impact.
- McAfee: No dedicated gaming mode. Occasional notification pop-ups during gameplay. Moderate system impact.
- Avast: Game Mode suppresses scans and notifications. Low performance impact.
For gamers, Bitdefender is the clear winner thanks to its minimal system impact and effective Gaming Mode.
Related Reviews and Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best antivirus for Windows 11?
Do I need antivirus on Windows 11?
Is Microsoft Defender good enough for Windows?
Can I use two antivirus programs on Windows?
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